Steve Wanless spent nearly 25 years building and operating a successful business in Kamloops. After retiring and moving to Vernon, he expected his entrepreneurial journey had come to an end. Instead, he found himself inspired to start again—this time in an entirely new industry and a new community.

Fortunately, one of his first connections was Business Exchange, a networking group for business owners facilitated by Community Futures North Okanagan.

“There’s always something to learn, something to gain, and relationships to build,” says Steve, who became owner of LINQ Flooring in 2024 and now co-owns the business with his wife, Tanya.

“That’s really how you build a business—the community of people you’re involved with and the connections you make.”

Steve founded a fire protection company, CheckMate Fire Prevention in 1995 in Kamloops, BC with vital training and support from Community Futures. CheckMate grew to a team of 22 employees over 25 years and was sold in 2020 while receiving a Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Award. Steve believed retirement was the next chapter.

But after four years away from business, he found himself missing the challenge.

“I saw an opportunity to get involved with LINQ, and I was close friends with the owners.”

At 63 years old and completely new to the flooring industry, Steve committed to a six-month transition period, learning everything he could about the business and the industry. Today, LINQ Flooring, located just off Kalamalka Lake Road, offers premium flooring, tile, countertops, and cabinetry while providing complete renovation project coordination.

“Just because you’ve done it before doesn’t mean you know it all,” Steve says.

That mindset led him to join Business Exchange, where he could connect with fellow business owners, exchange ideas, and learn from others facing similar opportunities and challenges. The group meets every two weeks before the workday begins, featuring presentations on timely business topics as well as tours and talks hosted by local entrepreneurs at their businesses.

“The great thing about Business Exchange isn’t just the excellent facilitators—it’s the conversations. What are others doing? What’s working for them? It’s all valuable. We’re building relationships, and sometimes we’re doing business with one another. When you’re a new business in a new community, that goes a long way.”

Today, Steve and Tanya are focused on earning the trust of homeowners, renovation contractors, builders, and designers throughout Greater Vernon.

“We want people to know we care about more than just the flooring in their home—we care about how it complements every other finish in the space.”

With many North Okanagan homeowners choosing to renovate instead of moving, LINQ Flooring has positioned itself as a one-stop renovation partner, helping clients bring their vision together by supplying quality products while coordinating trades and managing projects from start to finish.

“We take care of all of that,” says Steve. “We bring the whole project together, and we make sure every customer is five-star happy.”

Beyond networking and building local relationships, Steve says Business Exchange has become an invaluable resource for staying current on the issues shaping today’s small businesses. Workshops covering topics such as artificial intelligence, human resources, and business strategy provide practical knowledge that owners can immediately apply.

“We do our best to learn what’s out there and where the opportunities are. Business Exchange has been a great place to start gaining that knowledge.”

Looking to grow your business and expand your network? Learn more about Business Exchange and apply to join today here.